With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics now clearly on the horizon, a pivotal new cycle begins for Indian sports. The journey kicks off in earnest in 2026, a year packed with major events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. This period is crucial for identifying and nurturing the next generation of champions who will carry the nation's hopes to the global stage.
The Pugilists Leading the Charge
In the boxing ring, Hitesh Gulia has rapidly become the face of Indian men's boxing. The 20-year-old from Haryana, competing in the 70kg category, announced his arrival on the international scene with a spectacular 2025. His year was defined by gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals on home soil and another top podium finish in Brazil. Displaying a tactical mind and cool composure, Gulia has positioned himself at the very heart of India's medal ambitions for the upcoming multi-sport events.
If Gulia is leading the men's charge, Jaismine Lamboria has established herself as the queen of the ring. The 24-year-old featherweight (57kg) dominated one of boxing's toughest divisions in 2025, crowning her year with a gold medal at the World Championships in Liverpool. By also winning World Cup gold in Astana and Greater Noida, Jaismine proved her consistency and ability to perform under pressure. She now stands as the central figure in India's women's boxing program as the nation looks ahead to 2026.
Track, Field, and Court: New Stars Rise
Athletics witnessed a powerful comeback from long jumper Shaili Singh. The 21-year-old from Jhansi bounced back from injury and Olympic qualification disappointment to break a long-standing meet record held by her mentor, Anju Bobby George, with a leap of 6.64m. Now ranked among the world's top-20 U-21 jumpers, Shaili is a prime medal prospect for the Asian Games.
Another jumper making waves is Shahnawaz Khan. The 17-year-old from Uttar Pradesh became the youngest Indian to clear the prestigious eight-metre barrier, jumping 8.04m in Bhubaneswar. With a goal to eventually surpass 8.50m, this talented junior is mapping out an intensive training plan to make his mark internationally.
On the badminton court, a potential changing of the guard is signaled by Unnati Hooda. The 18-year-old created a major stir by defeating the legendary PV Sindhu at the China Open, a first in six years. Finishing her debut senior year ranked world No. 23, this aggressive shuttler from Rohtak also played a key role in India's World Junior team bronze. Alongside her, 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma, the first Indian to win two medals at a single World Junior Championships, is preparing to transition her junior success to the senior tour.
Precision and Team Sports: Fresh Faces Emerge
Indian shooting continues to unearth prodigious talent. Suruchi Phogat, an 18-year-old from Haryana, enjoyed a dream debut year in 2025. She announced herself by winning 10m air pistol gold at the Buenos Aires World Cup, beating a double Olympic champion from China. She didn't stop there, adding three more World Cup golds and a World Cup Finals title, showcasing a veteran's consistency.
In men's pistol, Samrat Rana came from relative obscurity to become a world champion. The 20-year-old from Karnal stunned the field by winning gold in the 10m air pistol at the Cairo World Championships, defeating the year's most dominant shooter. He followed it up with a World Cup Finals bronze, proving his win was no fluke and bolstering India's men's pistol squad.
In hockey, with the iconic PR Sreejesh retiring, all eyes are on the next generation of goalkeepers. Princedeep Singh, another wearer of the No. 16 jersey, has shown immense promise. Trained under Sreejesh himself, the Pathankot-born keeper displayed remarkable composure at the Junior World Cup, particularly in a crucial penalty shootout. With the senior team in transition, 2026 could be his breakthrough year.
The midfield is also seeing a refresh. Youngsters Manmeet Singh (20) and Rosan Kujur (21) are being groomed as long-term solutions. Manmeet excels in defensive duties, while Kujur offers attacking ball-carrying skills, together forming a balanced partnership for the future.
Finally, the women's doubles badminton pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand (both 22) ended a patchy 2025 on a high by winning the Syed Modi Open. Now ranked 20th in the world, they face a make-or-break 2026 as they aim to emulate the success of India's top men's pair.
This diverse group of young athletes, each with a unique story of grit and breakthrough, forms the exciting vanguard of Indian sports. Their performances in the demanding 2026 season will not only shape their own careers but also define India's roadmap to success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
